Buncombe County News

This news item expired on 1/5/2015, so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.

Annual Clean Air Excellence Awards

Since 2004, the Western North Carolina Regional Air Quality Agency (WNCRAQA) has been giving special recognition to local businesses and other organizations that have gone above and beyond air quality rules and regulations to implement voluntary, innovative programs that reduce air pollution in our region. In 2012, with the assistance of the Agency’s Advisory Committee, the awards program was updated and expanded to include more detailed guidelines and generate more interest from the local community. This year, WNCRAQA is presenting a Clean Air Excellence Award to Alliance AutoGas (AAG) in the Special Award category.

AAG, based in Swannanoa, is America’s only complete program to transition fleets to clean burning propane autogas. The AAG program includes vehicle technology, EPA-certified conversions, refueling infrastructure, data integration, fuel supply, and all of the training required to keep fleets up and running on autogas. Construction is underway on the new AAG Autogas Research and Technology Center, located on Sweeten Creek Road in Asheville NC. Once completed, the world- class center will focus on testing and development of propane autogas systems and also provide vehicle technician training. The Autogas Research and Technology Center is expected to open in the fall of 2014. Originally founded by Blossman Gas, the nation’s largest independent propane company, AAG is comprised of more than 90 companies nationwide, with the hub of the company being in Western North Carolina.

In 2013, 116,208 gallons of gasoline was displaced in Buncombe County in AAG vehicles, reducing harmful emissions by 30% from each of these vehicles and saving the participating organizations and businesses tens of thousands of dollars over a period of years in fuel costs. Partners in Buncombe County include Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department, Biltmore Estate, Mountain Mobility, and Blossman Gas.